Steps to Apply

It’s FAFSA time

Make sure you have the important pieces of information listed below. Having everything together before you start will make filling out the FAFSA easier.

Your FSA ID

To file your FAFSA, you (and one of your parents, if you are a dependent) need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. This is a username and password combination that you’ll use to securely access your financial aid information and electronically sign your FAFSA.

Use the IRS data retrieval tool

When you update your FAFSA after filing your taxes, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import your tax information directly into your FAFSA. You’ll find the IRS data retrieval tool in the Financial Information section of your FAFSA.

To use the tool to pull your tax information in automatically, you must have:

Enter your data by hand

If you're not able to use the IRS data retrieval tool, you can enter your data manually.

You’ll need your federal tax return and W2 form for the year before (if you file your FAFSA by December 31) or for two years before (if you file your FAFSA after January 1) AND

Your parents’ federal tax return and W2 form if you’re a dependent OR

Your spouse’s federal tax return and W2 form if you’re married

Use estimated data

You can file your FAFSA even if you haven’t completed your tax return yet (remember, you can apply for the next year as early as October 1). Select “Will File” on the FAFSA application and give your best guess at the numbers. After you file your taxes, you can update your FAFSA and change your status to “Already Filed.”

You’ll need information about your savings, investments, and business assets. You’ll also need information about your parents’ savings, investments, and business assets if you’re a dependent.

Once you’ve gathered everything you need, you’re ready to file your FAFSA. The online application will guide you through the process—just follow the directions on the screen. You’re all set!

A note about dependency

Your dependency status is determined by a group of dependency questions on the FAFSA. If you can’t answer “yes” to any of the questions, you’ll be considered dependent and advised to supply parental information on your FAFSA.